Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An image processing apparatus comprising: a processor that executes a plurality of tasks, the plurality of tasks including: a hue obtaining task that performs a noise reduction process on an input image or a first hue of the input image so as to obtain a second hue of the input image having reduced noise; an extraction task that extracts a plurality of pixels from the input image based on the second hue having the reduced noise; an estimation task that estimates, based on saturation and first intensity of the plurality of pixels extracted by the extraction task, second intensity of diffuse reflection components of the input image; and an image generation task that generates a diffuse reflection image using the saturation, the second intensity and one of the first hue and the second hue.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically improving image quality by reducing noise and enhancing diffuse reflection components. The apparatus processes an input image to generate a diffuse reflection image with reduced noise and improved visual clarity. The system includes a processor executing multiple tasks: first, a noise reduction process is applied to the input image or its hue to obtain a second, denoised hue. Next, pixels are extracted from the input image based on this denoised hue. The extracted pixels are then analyzed to estimate the intensity of diffuse reflection components using their saturation and original intensity values. Finally, a diffuse reflection image is generated using the saturation, the estimated diffuse reflection intensity, and either the original or denoised hue. This approach enhances image quality by isolating and refining diffuse reflection components while minimizing noise interference. The method is particularly useful in applications requiring high-fidelity image processing, such as medical imaging, photography, or computer vision.
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the hue obtaining task performs the noise reduction process on the input image so as to obtain the second hue.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically improving hue extraction in digital images. The problem addressed is the presence of noise in input images, which can distort hue values and degrade subsequent image analysis or enhancement tasks. The apparatus includes a hue obtaining task that performs a noise reduction process on the input image to derive a second hue value. This noise reduction process is applied to the input image before hue extraction, ensuring that the obtained hue is more accurate and less affected by noise artifacts. The apparatus may also include a first hue obtaining task that extracts a hue from the input image without noise reduction, allowing for comparison or combination of the first and second hues. The noise reduction process may involve filtering techniques such as Gaussian blurring, median filtering, or other methods to suppress noise while preserving essential color information. The apparatus is particularly useful in applications requiring precise color analysis, such as medical imaging, industrial inspection, or computer vision systems where accurate hue representation is critical. By reducing noise before hue extraction, the apparatus improves the reliability and consistency of hue-based image processing operations.
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the hue obtaining task performs the noise reduction process on the first hue of the input image so as to obtain the second hue.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically improving color accuracy in digital images by reducing noise in hue data. The problem addressed is the presence of noise in hue values, which can distort color representation and degrade image quality. The apparatus includes a hue obtaining task that processes an input image to extract a first hue value, which is then subjected to a noise reduction process to generate a second, more accurate hue. The noise reduction process filters out unwanted variations in hue, resulting in a cleaner and more consistent color output. This technique is particularly useful in applications where precise color reproduction is critical, such as medical imaging, photography, and digital art. The apparatus may also include additional tasks for further image enhancement, such as adjusting brightness or contrast, but the core innovation lies in the noise reduction applied specifically to hue data. By refining the hue values, the system ensures that colors appear more natural and true to the original scene or subject. The invention is designed to work with various types of input images, including those captured by digital cameras or generated synthetically. The noise reduction process may involve statistical methods, filtering algorithms, or other computational techniques tailored to minimize hue distortions while preserving color integrity.
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tasks further includes a gloss controlling task that obtains a specular reflection image based on the diffuse reflection image and the input image.
This invention relates to image processing systems designed to enhance image quality by controlling gloss effects. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately separating and processing specular reflections (gloss) from diffuse reflections in captured images, which can lead to unnatural or distorted visual results. The apparatus includes a processing unit configured to execute multiple tasks to improve image quality. One key task involves generating a specular reflection image by analyzing the relationship between a diffuse reflection image and the original input image. The diffuse reflection image represents the non-reflective components of the scene, while the input image contains both diffuse and specular reflections. By isolating the specular component, the system can apply targeted adjustments to reduce glare, enhance details, or simulate different lighting conditions. The gloss controlling task ensures that the final processed image maintains natural appearance while minimizing artifacts caused by unwanted reflections. This approach is particularly useful in applications like photography, medical imaging, and industrial inspections where accurate reflection control is critical. The system may also include additional tasks such as noise reduction, color correction, and dynamic range adjustment to further refine the output. The overall goal is to provide a flexible and efficient method for managing gloss effects in digital images.
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the gloss controlling task performs gloss control of an image by performing weighting addition between the diffuse reflection image and the specular reflection image.
The invention relates to image processing techniques for controlling gloss in digital images. The problem addressed is the need to accurately simulate or adjust the glossy appearance of surfaces in images, which is important for applications like digital photography, computer graphics, and printing. Gloss refers to the specular reflections that create shiny or reflective effects on surfaces, and improper handling can lead to unrealistic or visually unappealing results. The apparatus includes a gloss controlling task that processes an image by separating it into a diffuse reflection image and a specular reflection image. The diffuse reflection image represents the matte, non-reflective components of the image, while the specular reflection image captures the shiny, reflective highlights. The gloss controlling task then performs gloss control by applying a weighting addition between these two images. This involves mathematically combining the diffuse and specular components with adjustable weights to control the intensity and distribution of gloss in the final output image. The weighting addition allows for precise adjustment of the gloss effect, enabling the apparatus to enhance or reduce glossiness as needed. This technique is particularly useful for improving the visual realism of images, especially those depicting glossy surfaces like metals, glass, or painted objects. The apparatus may also include additional image processing steps, such as image acquisition, separation of reflection components, and output generation, to ensure accurate and efficient gloss control.
6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the gloss controlling task performs gloss control on the image by weighting subtraction between the input image and the specular reflection image.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for controlling gloss in digital images. The problem addressed is the unwanted specular reflections in captured images, which can degrade visual quality by causing bright spots or glare. The solution involves a specialized gloss controlling task that processes an input image to reduce or eliminate these reflections. The apparatus includes an image acquisition unit that captures the input image, which may contain specular reflections from light sources. A specular reflection image is generated, representing the reflective components of the input image. The gloss controlling task then applies a weighting subtraction process between the input image and the specular reflection image. This subtraction reduces the intensity of specular highlights while preserving the underlying image details. The weighting factor can be adjusted to control the degree of gloss reduction, allowing for fine-tuning based on the desired output. The apparatus may also include a gloss detection unit that identifies regions of the input image with high specular reflection, ensuring that the gloss control is applied precisely where needed. Additionally, a gloss enhancement task may be included to selectively increase gloss in specific areas, such as metallic or shiny surfaces, to enhance visual realism. The overall system provides a flexible approach to managing gloss in digital images, improving their aesthetic and technical quality.
7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the noise reduction process is performed based on a tentative specular reflection image which corresponds to specular reflection components of the input image.
The invention relates to image processing, specifically noise reduction in images containing specular reflections. Specular reflections, such as highlights from light sources, often introduce noise and artifacts that degrade image quality. The apparatus processes an input image by generating a tentative specular reflection image that isolates the specular reflection components. This tentative image is then used to guide the noise reduction process, ensuring that the specular reflections are preserved while reducing noise in other regions. The apparatus includes an image acquisition unit to capture the input image, a specular reflection extraction unit to generate the tentative specular reflection image, and a noise reduction unit that applies noise reduction selectively based on the extracted specular components. The noise reduction process may involve filtering techniques that adapt to the presence of specular reflections, preventing over-smoothing or distortion of these highlights. The apparatus may also include a display or storage unit to output the processed image. This approach improves image quality by maintaining the integrity of specular reflections while effectively reducing noise in non-reflective areas.
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the tentative specular reflection image is estimated based on the tentative diffuse reflection image estimated based on the plurality of pixels extracted from the input image based on the first hue.
The invention relates to image processing techniques for separating specular and diffuse reflection components in an input image. The problem addressed is the accurate estimation of specular reflections, which often interfere with the true color and texture of objects in images. The apparatus extracts pixels from the input image based on a first hue, then estimates a tentative diffuse reflection image from these pixels. Using this diffuse reflection image, the apparatus further estimates a tentative specular reflection image. This approach leverages hue-based pixel selection to improve the accuracy of separating specular and diffuse components, enhancing image analysis and processing tasks. The method involves analyzing pixel data to distinguish between surface reflections and underlying material properties, which is useful in applications like computer vision, medical imaging, and quality inspection systems. By isolating specular reflections, the apparatus enables more precise color and texture analysis, improving the reliability of subsequent image processing operations. The technique is particularly valuable in scenarios where specular highlights obscure important visual information.
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the noise reduction process is performed based on brightness of color of the input image.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically noise reduction in digital images. The problem addressed is the presence of noise in images, which can degrade visual quality. Existing noise reduction techniques often apply uniform processing across the entire image, which may not effectively handle variations in brightness and color. The invention improves upon prior art by performing noise reduction based on the brightness and color of the input image. The apparatus includes an image input unit that receives the input image, a noise reduction unit that processes the image, and an output unit that provides the processed image. The noise reduction unit adjusts the noise reduction process according to the brightness and color of different regions in the image. For example, areas with higher brightness or specific color characteristics may receive different noise reduction parameters compared to darker or differently colored regions. This adaptive approach ensures that noise reduction is optimized for each part of the image, preserving details while minimizing artifacts. The apparatus may also include a brightness detection unit and a color detection unit that analyze the input image to determine brightness and color information. This data is used to dynamically adjust the noise reduction parameters, such as filter strength or kernel size, to better match the characteristics of the image. The output unit then provides the processed image with improved clarity and reduced noise. This method enhances image quality by tailoring noise reduction to the specific visual content of the image.
10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein a degree of the noise reduction process is increased as the brightness of color of the input image is lowered.
This invention relates to image processing, specifically to noise reduction in digital images. The problem addressed is the visibility of noise in dark or low-brightness regions of an image, which is particularly noticeable in color images where noise can distort colors and reduce visual quality. Traditional noise reduction techniques often apply uniform processing across the entire image, which may over-smooth bright areas or fail to adequately reduce noise in darker regions. The apparatus includes an image processing system that adjusts the intensity of noise reduction based on the brightness of the input image. Specifically, the noise reduction process is dynamically intensified as the brightness of the image decreases. This adaptive approach ensures that darker regions, where noise is more perceptible, receive stronger noise suppression, while brighter regions undergo less aggressive processing to preserve detail. The system may also include a color analysis component to assess brightness levels, allowing the noise reduction to be fine-tuned for different color channels. This adaptive noise reduction improves image quality by balancing noise suppression and detail retention across varying brightness levels.
11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the noise reduction process is performed based on a noise amount in the input image.
This invention relates to image processing systems designed to reduce noise in digital images. The problem addressed is the presence of noise in captured or processed images, which degrades visual quality and can interfere with further image analysis. The apparatus includes a noise reduction module that processes an input image to minimize noise while preserving image details. The noise reduction process is dynamically adjusted based on the noise amount detected in the input image, ensuring optimal performance across varying noise levels. The system may also include an image acquisition module to capture or receive the input image and an output module to provide the processed image. The noise reduction process may involve filtering techniques, such as spatial or frequency-domain filtering, tailored to the detected noise characteristics. By adaptively adjusting the noise reduction parameters, the apparatus ensures effective noise suppression without excessive blurring or loss of fine details. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high-quality image output, such as medical imaging, surveillance, and digital photography.
12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the noise amount is determined based on an ISO speed at a time of imaging and a luminance value of the input image.
The invention relates to image processing systems designed to reduce noise in digital images. The problem addressed is the presence of noise artifacts in images, particularly those captured under low-light conditions or with high ISO settings, which degrade image quality. Existing noise reduction techniques often struggle to balance noise suppression with preserving fine image details. The apparatus includes an image processing system that analyzes an input image to determine a noise amount, which is then used to adjust noise reduction processing. The noise amount is calculated based on the ISO speed during imaging and the luminance value of the input image. Higher ISO speeds and lower luminance values typically indicate greater noise levels, prompting more aggressive noise reduction. The system applies a noise reduction filter to the image, where the filter's strength is dynamically adjusted according to the determined noise amount. This ensures that noise is effectively reduced while minimizing the loss of image details. The apparatus may also include a luminance value calculation unit to derive luminance values from the input image and an ISO speed acquisition unit to obtain the ISO setting used during imaging. The noise reduction filter may be a multi-stage filter that adapts its parameters based on the noise amount, allowing for fine-tuned noise suppression across different image regions. The system may further include a detail preservation module to enhance image sharpness after noise reduction, ensuring visual clarity. This approach improves image quality in low-light or high-ISO scenarios while maintaining natural image details.
13. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging element that captures an image of an object; and a processor that executes a plurality of tasks, the plurality of tasks including: a hue obtaining task that performs a noise reduction process on an input image or a first hue of the input image so as to obtain a second hue of the input image having reduced noise; an extraction task that extracts a plurality of pixels from the input image based on the second hue having the reduced noise; an estimation task that estimates, based on saturation and first intensity of the plurality of pixels extracted by the extraction task, second intensity of diffuse reflection components of the input image, and an image generation task that generates a diffuse reflection image using the saturation, the second intensity and one of the first hue and the second hue.
This invention relates to an imaging apparatus designed to improve image quality by reducing noise and enhancing diffuse reflection components. The apparatus includes an imaging element that captures an image of an object and a processor that performs multiple tasks to process the captured image. The processor first performs a noise reduction process on the input image or its hue to obtain a second hue with reduced noise. Next, it extracts a plurality of pixels from the input image based on this noise-reduced hue. The processor then estimates the intensity of diffuse reflection components for these pixels using their saturation and original intensity values. Finally, it generates a diffuse reflection image by combining the saturation, the estimated diffuse reflection intensity, and either the original or noise-reduced hue. This approach enhances image clarity by isolating and emphasizing diffuse reflection, which is particularly useful in applications requiring high-quality color and texture representation, such as medical imaging, industrial inspection, or photography. The system automates the process of noise reduction and diffuse reflection estimation, improving efficiency and accuracy compared to manual or less sophisticated methods.
14. An image processing method comprising: obtaining a second hue of an input image having reduced noise by performing a noise reduction process on the input image or a first hue of the input image; extracting a plurality of pixels from the input image based on the second hue; estimating, based on saturation and first intensity of the plurality of extracted pixels, second intensity of diffuse reflection components of the input image; and generating a diffuse reflection image using the saturation, the second intensity and one of the first hue and the second hue.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for enhancing image quality by reducing noise and improving color representation. The method addresses the challenge of accurately estimating and separating diffuse reflection components in an image, which is essential for tasks like color correction, object recognition, and image enhancement. The process begins by obtaining a second hue from an input image, where the image has undergone noise reduction either directly or by processing a first hue of the image. This step ensures that the subsequent analysis is based on a cleaner, more reliable color representation. Next, a set of pixels is extracted from the input image based on the second hue, focusing on regions of interest for further processing. The method then estimates the intensity of diffuse reflection components by analyzing the saturation and original intensity of the extracted pixels. This estimation is crucial for distinguishing between direct and indirect lighting effects in the image. Finally, a diffuse reflection image is generated using the saturation, the estimated intensity, and either the original or the processed hue. This output can be used for various applications, including improving image realism, aiding in object detection, or enhancing visual quality in digital imaging systems. The technique ensures that the final image retains accurate color and contrast while minimizing noise interference.
15. A computer readable recording medium recording at least one program that causes a processor to execute an image processing method according to claim 14 .
This invention relates to image processing, specifically a method for enhancing image quality by reducing noise and artifacts in digital images. The method involves analyzing an input image to identify regions with noise or distortions, then applying adaptive filtering techniques to selectively process these regions while preserving important image features. The filtering process adjusts parameters such as kernel size and strength based on local image characteristics, ensuring that noise reduction does not overly smooth or blur the image. The method also includes a post-processing step to refine edges and textures, improving overall visual quality. The invention is implemented as a computer program stored on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a hard drive or solid-state memory, which executes the image processing steps when run on a processor. The program may be part of a larger image editing or computer vision system, enabling real-time or batch processing of digital images. The invention addresses the challenge of balancing noise reduction with detail preservation, particularly in low-light or high-compression images where artifacts are common. The adaptive approach ensures effective noise suppression without sacrificing image sharpness or natural appearance.
Unknown
February 18, 2020
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